Most Tested Hematology Topics MRCP Part 1 |

TL;DR

Hematology carries high weight in MRCP Part 1, often testing pattern recognition and interpretation of lab data. This article lists the most frequently tested hematology topics (MRCP Part 1), practical examples, and traps to avoid — giving you a focused, high-yield roadmap for efficient revision.

Why this matters

Hematology forms a crucial portion of the MRCP Part 1 written paper, often blending pure science with clinical reasoning. Many questions assess your ability to interpret blood films, reticulocyte counts, or marrow responses rather than isolated memorisation.

Understanding what examiners consistently test — anaemias, coagulation disorders, haematological malignancies — helps you prioritise your revision time effectively. According to the MRCP(UK) Part 1 blueprint, hematology contributes up to 15% of the paper, overlapping heavily with clinical medicine.

For a structured foundation, start from the MRCP Part 1 overview and build progressively using targeted QBank practice.

The 10 Most Frequently Tested Hematology Topics (MRCP Part 1)

Rank	Topic	Common Exam Focus
1	Iron deficiency vs Anaemia of chronic disease	Distinguish using ferritin, TIBC, and MCV. Expect pattern questions involving inflammatory disorders.
2	Megaloblastic anaemia (B12 vs Folate deficiency)	Mechanism, drug causes (methotrexate, phenytoin), and neurological findings exclusive to B12 deficiency.
3	Haemolytic anaemia (G6PD, AIHA, spherocytosis)	Reticulocyte response, bilirubin rise, and positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs) test.
4	Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia	Hb electrophoresis interpretation, vaso-occlusive crisis management, hydroxycarbamide use.
5	Acute leukaemias (AML, ALL)	Cytogenetics (t(15;17) → APL), marrow findings, differentiation therapy (ATRA).
6	Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)	Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib), leukocytosis + splenomegaly.
7	Lymphomas (Hodgkin vs Non-Hodgkin)	Reed–Sternberg cells, Ann Arbor staging, and “B symptoms”.
8	Myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy	CRAB mnemonic (Calcium, Renal, Anaemia, Bone). Serum electrophoresis patterns.
9	Coagulation disorders (vWD, Haemophilia, DIC)	PT/aPTT interpretation; management with DDAVP, cryoprecipitate, or factor concentrates.
10	Anticoagulation and thrombocytopenia	Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, warfarin reversal, DOAC principles and monitoring.

Practical mini-case example

Clinical scenario: A 35-year-old woman presents with fatigue and glossitis. Hb 8.5 g/dL, MCV 118 fL, serum folate normal, B12 reduced.

Question: What is the diagnosis, and why does she have neurological symptoms?Answer: Pernicious anaemia (autoimmune B12 deficiency). Neuropathy arises from defective myelin synthesis due to B12 deficiency — not seen in folate deficiency.

Exam tip: If a vignette includes both anaemia and paresthesias, think B12 until proven otherwise.

Quick-revision checklist

1. Learn patterns, not facts. Compare anaemia types side-by-side — mechanism + lab trend.

2. Review blood film images. Commonly shown: spherocytes, target cells, blasts.

3. Revise marrow logic. Link low reticulocytes with production failure, high with destruction.

4. Use timed mocks. Practise full sections in the Start a mock test area weekly.

5. Integrate system thinking. Anaemia in CKD, hypothyroidism, or malignancy often overlaps with other systems.

6. Condense notes. Use short comparative tables to boost visual recall.

7. Practise QBank pattern questions. Try 20–30 per session via Free MRCP MCQs.

8. Apply spaced repetition. Two short hematology sessions weekly outperform long cramming marathons.

   
   

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Memorising values instead of physiology: Focus on relationships (ferritin vs TIBC).

• Overlooking malignancy patterns: ~30% of hematology questions involve leukaemia/lymphoma basics.

• Neglecting drug-induced cytopenias: Methotrexate, carbimazole, chloramphenicol are frequent culprits.

• Ignoring reticulocyte trends: High = destruction (haemolysis), Low = underproduction.

• Skipping coagulation logic: Learn to deduce which pathway (intrinsic vs extrinsic) a defect belongs to.

  
  

Study strategy in 4 stages

1. Foundation (Week 1-3): Revise anaemias, coagulation pathways, basic physiology.

2. Application (Week 4-6): Attempt 400–500 Crack Medicine QBank questions in timed mode.

3. Integration (Week 7-9): Mix hematology with systemic medicine topics (renal, GI).

4. Testing (Final Weeks): Full-length mocks twice weekly. Focus on question review and pattern gaps.

For further structure, follow our Study plan for MRCP Part 1 guide.

FAQs

1. How many hematology questions appear in MRCP Part 1?

Usually 10–15% of the paper. Some cross-link to systemic medicine and pharmacology.

2. Are image-based hematology questions common?

Yes. Blood films and marrow smears often appear to test interpretation rather than memorisation.

3. What’s the most reliable revision book for MRCP Part 1 hematology?

The Oxford Handbook of Clinical Haematology (5th ed.) is concise, complemented by Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine.

4. What topics are commonly missed by first-time candidates?

Coagulation factor patterns (especially vWD vs Haemophilia A), CML cytogenetics, and myeloma criteria.

5. Is Crack Medicine’s QBank enough for hematology?

Yes — it mirrors MRCP-style stems, integrates lab tables, and updates monthly with new mock tests.

Ready to start?

Hematology rewards understanding, not rote learning.👉 Begin with Free MRCP MCQs to benchmark yourself.📺 Watch focused hematology lectures on Crack Medicine’s lecture library.🧠 Attempt a mock test weekly to reinforce recall and exam pacing.

For more comprehensive preparation, explore the full MRCP Part 1 overview hub.

Sources

1. MRCP(UK) Part 1 Examination Overview – Royal Colleges of Physicians

2. NICE Guideline NG24 – Anaemia: Assessment and Management

3. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Haematology, 5th Edition, Oxford University Press.

4. Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 24th Edition, Elsevier.